Fumaria vaillantii, commonly known as Earthsmoke, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including disturbed areas, arable land, and gardens across Europe and parts of Asia. It typically grows up to 11 inches (28 centimeters) tall and features a self-supporting growth form. The leaves of Earthsmoke are pinnate with narrow leaflets, and the plant produces small, tubular pink to purple flowers from late spring to early autumn, which are not particularly showy but have a delicate charm. The common name ’Earthsmoke’ is derived from the plant’s smoky or gray appearance in fields, especially when seen in large numbers.

Earthsmoke is valued for its use in traditional medicine, particularly in homeopathy, as it is believed to have diuretic and laxative properties. It is not commonly cultivated in gardens but may be of interest to those who appreciate native and medicinal plants. In cultivation, Fumaria vaillantii prefers full sun to partial shade, and it thrives in well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types, including those of poor fertility. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can self-seed prolifically and may become weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0